15 Best Day Trips from Buffalo, NY

Buffalo is upstate New York’s most famous city, with its proximity to the USA side of the spectacular Niagara Falls and its almost equivalently important claim to fame – the invention of buffalo wings.

It’s an excellent base for travellers and a very pleasant destination in itself, with leafy parks and a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Erie.

Avail yourself of the plentiful excellent hotels, restaurants and bars in the City of Good Neighbours, and then make sure to explore more of the state and across the border into Canada with these fifteen brilliant day trip options.

1. Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls

A list of day trips from Buffalo would hardly be complete without mentioning its most famous nearby attraction, Niagara Falls.

Whether you want to ride on the Maid of the Mist boat, or simply observe from afar at the Observation Tower, nobody is going to deny that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see nature’s splendor in full force.

Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Goat Island and the Whirlpool are just some of the highlights of this magnificent waterfall.

You can also head over to the Canadian side and check it out from there, if you feel like exploring a slightly different option.

9. East Aurora

Located just south of Buffalo is the fascinating Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, home to a dynamic art colony.

The village prides itself on being the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, a direct reaction to the mass production of the Industrial era, and the products made there are simple, beautiful and handcrafted.

There are fourteen buildings spread across the historic campus, so be sure to take your time looking around.

11. Corning Museum of Glass

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Corning Museum Of Glass

Perhaps a surprising entry on a list of day trips is the Corning Museum of Glass, but it genuinely is a highlight of the area.

People come from miles around to see the spectacular exhibits displayed here, with information on the history, art and science of glass making, as well as demonstrations of how some of the pieces on display are made.

Marvel at the artistry of the craft through the many intricately designed show pieces, and perhaps visit the gift shop for a small souvenir of your trip.

If you feel that you haven’t had enough museums for one day, you can head over to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art nearby, which has a range of exhibits displayed on both Native and Western American art.

12. Presque Isle

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Presque Isle Lighthouse

Another excellent family-centered day trip destination are the picturesque sandy beaches of Presque Isle, located on the shores of Lake Erie.

The peninsula is located around a two-hour drive from Buffalo, but it’s well worth the journey, with a multitude of recreational activities on offer, from swimming and boating to hiking, biking and bird watching.

Most equipment is available to rent, and a popular option is to take the kids out on the kayaks.